The Project “artificial Nests” in the San Bartolo Natural Park

27 Mar The Project “artificial Nests” in the San Bartolo Natural Park

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Abstract

English Abstract

Since 2004, the San Bartolo Natural Park started to install artificial nests to support the presence of two species of raptors, the kestrel and the peregrine falcon, natural predators of many animals damaging of agriculture (birds, insects and rats). In the year 2007, the park installed new artificial nests, including another species of beneficial birds; little owl, barn owl, scops owl, long-eared owl, tawny owl and insectivorous birds. In 2009 all the nests installed were 82. Inspections were in June and July; maintenance and cleaning in February and March. The first results of the project are very interesting with percentage of occupied nests: 43.4% passeriforms, 50% peregrine, 36.3% kestrel and 12.1% strigiforms.